Apparatus and non-transitory computer-readable medium

ABSTRACT

An apparatus includes a processor and a memory configured to store computer-readable instructions that instruct the apparatus to perform the steps of acquiring pattern data of an embroidery pattern, determining, in a case where the embroidery pattern is to be sewn on a sewing object formed of a specific material, whether the embroidery pattern includes at least one of a first area and a second area, generating, in a case where it is determined that the embroidery pattern includes at least one of the first area and the second area, supplemental data representing at least one supplemental stitch each of which is a stitch connecting at least some of a plurality of stitches formed in one of the first area and the second area, and generating, from the pattern data and the generated supplemental data, embroidery data to sew the embroidery pattern and the at least one supplemental stitch.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority to Japanese Patent Application No. 2012-008546, filed Jan. 19, 2012, the content of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety,

BACKGROUND

The present disclosure relates to an apparatus that is capable of generating embroidery data to sew an embroidery pattern using an embroidery sewing machine, and to a non-transitory computer-readable medium storing computer-readable instructions that cause an apparatus to generate the embroidery data.

A technique is known that creates a so-called openwork pattern (lace embroidery, for example). For example, a method is known in which, after performing embroidery to form a mesh portion on a base fabric that melts in heat or dissolves in water, the openwork pattern is formed by melting or dissolving the base fabric in the mesh portion.

SUMMARY

As in the above-described method, when only the base fabric in the mesh portion is dissolved, the base fabric remains as a base underneath the embroidery pattern. Thus, a possibility of shrinkage of the openwork pattern itself is not taken into account. However, if a sewing object, which is the base fabric, completely dissolves, the stitches of the embroidery pattern may shrink and thus an intended design shape may become distorted. Further, even if the sewing object is a material that does not melt in heat or dissolve in water, if the sewing object is a material that shrinks extremely easily, the embroidery pattern may similarly take a design shape that is different from the intended shape, due to shrinkage as a result of sewing.

In either of the above-described cases, in order to inhibit the design shape from becoming distorted due to shrinkage of the stitches, a method may be employed in which embroidery data is generated taking shrinkage into account in advance. Additionally, in a case where the material shrinks extremely easily, a method may be employed in which underlay stitches are sewn in advance. However, in both these methods, if a person generating the data is not familiar with a degree of shrinkage of the sewing object, it is difficult to maintain the intended design shape. Moreover, as the degree of shrinkage varies depending on a type of the sewing object, the person generating the data may not always know the degree of shrinkage of the sewing object at that time.

Various exemplary embodiments of the broad principles derived herein provide an apparatus capable of generating embroidery data that may inhibit distortion of an embroidery pattern due to shrinkage of stitches after sewing, and a non-transitory computer-readable medium storing computer-readable instructions that cause may an apparatus to generate the embroidery data.

Exemplary embodiments herein provide an apparatus that includes a processor and a memory configured to store computer-readable instructions. The computer-readable instructions instruct, when executed, the apparatus to perform the steps of acquiring pattern data, the pattern data being data representing a plurality of stitches that form an embroidery pattern, determining, in a case where the embroidery pattern is to be sewn on a sewing object that is formed of a specific material, whether the embroidery pattern includes at least one of a first area and a second area, based on the acquired pattern data, the first area being an area that includes at least one long stitch each of which is a stitch that is longer than a predetermined length, and the second area being a closed area that is enclosed by a stitch line formed in a line shape by a plurality of stitches and that has a degree of roundness that is lower than a threshold value, generating, in a case where it is determined that the embroidery pattern includes at least one of the first area and the second area, supplemental data that is data representing at least one supplemental stitch each of which is a stitch that connects at least some of a plurality of stitches formed in one of the first area and the second area, and generating, from the pattern data and the generated supplemental data, embroidery data to sew the embroidery pattern and the at least one supplemental stitch.

Exemplary embodiments also provide a non-transitory computer-readable medium storing computer-readable instructions. The computer-readable instructions instruct, when executed, an apparatus to execute steps comprising acquiring pattern data, the pattern data being data representing a plurality of stitches that form an embroidery pattern, determining, in a case where the embroidery pattern is to be sewn on a sewing object that is formed of a specific material, whether the embroidery pattern includes at least one of a first area and a second area, based on the acquired pattern data, the first area being an area that includes at least one long stitch each of which is a stitch that is longer than a predetermined length, and the second area being a closed area that is enclosed by a stitch line formed in a line shape by a plurality of stitches and that has a degree of roundness that is lower than a threshold value, generating, in a case where it is determined that the embroidery pattern includes at least one of the first area and the second area, supplemental data that is data representing at least one supplemental stitch each of which is a stitch that connects at least some of a plurality of stitches formed in one of the first area and the second area, and generating, from the pattern data and the generated supplemental data, embroidery data to sew the embroidery pattern and the at least one supplemental stitch.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of an embroidery data generating apparatus;

FIG. 2 is an external view of an embroidery sewing machine;

FIG. 3 is a flowchart of main processing of the embroidery data generating apparatus;

FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of an example of a pattern that includes a first area;

FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram that shows a part of FIG. 4 in an expanded manner;

FIG. 6 is a flowchart of first area processing that is performed in the main processing;

FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram of an example of a pattern to which supplemental stitches are added;

FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram of another example of a pattern to which supplemental stitches are added;

FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram of an example of a pattern that includes a second area;

FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of a type of stitch that forms a stitch line of the pattern shown in FIG. 9;

FIG. 11 is a flowchart of second area processing that is performed in the main processing;

FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram of a pattern division method; and

FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram of an example of a pattern that has been divided into three parts and to which supplemental stitches have been added.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present disclosure will be explained with reference to the drawings. First, a configuration of an embroidery data generating apparatus 1 will be explained with reference to FIG. 1. The embroidery data generating apparatus 1 is an apparatus that can generate embroidery data to sew an embroidery pattern on a sewing object using an embroidery sewing machine 3 (refer to FIG. 2) that will be described later. The sewing object may be, for example, a work cloth, a water-soluble sheet, a heat-soluble sheet or the like.

The embroidery data generating apparatus 1 may be an apparatus that is dedicated for use in generating embroidery data or may be a general-purpose device, such as a so-called personal computer. In the present embodiment, the general-purpose device is exemplified. As shown in FIG. 1, the embroidery data generating apparatus 1 includes a CPU 11 that is a controller that is configured to control the embroidery data generating apparatus 1. A RAM 12, a ROM 13, and an input/output (I/O) interface 14 are connected to the CPU 11.

The RAM 12 is configured to temporarily store various data. The ROM 13 is configured to store a BIOS and so on. The I/O interface 14 is configured to mediate in the exchange of data. A hard disk device (HDD) 15, a mouse 22 as an input device, a video controller 16, a key controller 17, a CD-ROM drive 18, a memory card connector 23 and an image scanner 25 are connected to the I/O interface 14. Although not shown in FIG. 1, the embroidery data generating apparatus 1 may also include an external interface that allows connection to an external device or a network.

A display 24 as a display device is connected to the video controller 16. A keyboard 21 as an input device is connected to the key controller 17. A CD-ROM 54 can be inserted into the CD-ROM drive 18. For example, at a time of setup of an embroidery data generating program, the CD-ROM 54 storing the embroidery data generating program may be inserted into the CD-ROM drive 18. Then, the embroidery data generating program may be read and stored in a program storage area 153 of the HDD 15. The embroidery data generating program may also be acquired from the external device or via the network and stored in the program storage area 153. A memory card 55 can be connected to the memory card connector 23, and information can be read from and written to the memory card 55.

Storage areas of the HDD 15 will be explained. As shown in FIG. 1, the HDD 15 includes a plurality of storage areas, including an embroidery data storage area 151, a setting storage area 152, the program storage area 153 and an other data storage area 154. The embroidery data storage area 151 may store embroidery data. The embroidery data is data that represents stitches to form a pattern that is sewn by embroidery. The embroidery data of the present embodiment is data to be used when performing embroidery using the embroidery sewing machine 3, and includes at least data relating to needle drop points (coordinate values of an XY coordinate system that is specific to the embroidery sewing machine 3) and to a sewing order of the needle drop points. The embroidery data may also include data relating to colors of embroidery threads, corresponding to each pattern. Note that, hereinafter, a pattern for which the embroidery data is stored in the embroidery data storage area 151 is referred to as a stored pattern.

Various setting values to be used in various processing executed by the embroidery data generating apparatus 1 may be stored in the setting storage area 152. A plurality of programs to be executed by the CPU 11, including the embroidery data generating program, may be stored in the program storage area 153. Initial values and setting values of various parameters, for example, may be stored in the other data storage area 154. It should be noted that the embroidery data generating program may be stored in the ROM 13 or may be stored in another storage area (a flash ROM etc).

The embroidery sewing machine 3 will be explained with reference to FIG. 2. The embroidery sewing machine 3 is a sewing machine that can sew an embroidery pattern based on the embroidery data. As shown in FIG. 2, the embroidery sewing machine 3 includes a bed 30, a pillar 36, an arm 38, and a head 39. The long dimension of the bed 30 runs left to right. The pillar 36 rises upward from the right end of the bed 30. The arm 38 extends to the left from the upper portion of the pillar 36. The head 39 is joined to the left end of the arm 38.

An embroidery frame 41 may be disposed above the bed 30. The embroidery frame 41 is configured to hold a work cloth (not shown in the drawings) on which embroidery will be performed. A Y direction drive portion 42 and an X direction drive mechanism (not shown in the drawings) may move the embroidery frame 41 to a position that is indicated by a coordinate value of the XY coordinate system that is specific to the embroidery sewing machine 3. The X direction drive mechanism is housed in a main body case 43. A needle bar 35 on which a sewing needle 44 is mounted and a shuttle mechanism (not shown in the drawings) may be driven in conjunction with the moving of the embroidery frame 41. In this manner, the embroidery pattern is formed on the work cloth. The Y direction drive portion 42, the X direction drive mechanism and the needle bar 35 may be controlled by a control device (not shown in the drawings) that is built into the embroidery sewing machine 3. The control device may be formed of a microcomputer or the like.

A memory card slot 37 may be provided in a side face of the pillar 36 of the embroidery sewing machine 3. The memory card 55 can be inserted into and removed from the memory card slot 37. For example, embroidery data that has been generated by or edited by the embroidery data generating apparatus 1 (refer to FIG. 1) may be stored on the memory card 55 via the memory card connector 23. Then, the memory card 55 may be inserted in the memory card slot 37, the stored embroidery data may be read and the embroidery data may be stored in the embroidery sewing machine 3. Based on the embroidery data supplied from the memory card 55, the control device (not shown in the drawings) of the embroidery sewing machine 3 may automatically control embroidery sewing operations by the above-described structural members. In this way, the embroidery sewing machine 3 can sew the embroidery pattern based on the embroidery data supplied from the embroidery data generating apparatus 1.

Main processing executed by the embroidery data generating apparatus 1 will be explained with reference to FIG. 3 to FIG. 13. The main processing shown in FIG. 3 is started when a command to start the processing is input by a user. The CPU 11 reads the embroidery data generating program stored in the HDD 15 shown in FIG. 1, and performs the following processing by executing computer-readable instructions that are included in the program.

As shown in FIG. 3, after the main processing is started, the CPU 11 identifies a pattern selected by the user that is to be a target of embroidery sewing (step S1). More specifically, for example, the CPU 11 displays, on the display 24 of the embroidery data generating apparatus 1, a screen (not shown in the drawings) that shows a list of stored patterns and an Enter key. When the Enter key is selected after the user has selected a desired pattern by operating the mouse 22 and the keyboard 21, the CPU 11 identifies the pattern that has been selected (hereinafter referred to as a selected pattern), acquires embroidery data of the selected pattern (hereinafter referred to as selected pattern data) from the embroidery data storage area 151 of the HDD 15 and stores the selected pattern data in the RAM 12.

At step S1, the user can select a plurality of patterns. In this case, the CPU 11 acquires a plurality of sets of selected pattern data that correspond to the plurality of selected patterns, respectively, and stores the plurality of sets of selected pattern data in the RAM 12 in an order of selection. Note that the pattern to be sewn by embroidery is not limited to the stored pattern and may be, for example, a pattern for which embroidery data has been stored in the memory card 55 or in the external device. In such a case, the CPU 11 may read the selected pattern data from the memory card 55 or the external device and store the data in the RAM 12.

The CPU 11 performs editing of the selected pattern data (step S2). At step S2, for example, the CPU 11 displays, on the display 24 of the embroidery data generating apparatus 1, an editing screen (not shown in the drawings) that includes an area displaying the selected pattern, various keys to edit the pattern and an Enter key. First, in the area displaying the selected pattern, the selected pattern is displayed in a size and layout determined by initial settings. The editing of the pattern may be, for example, changing the size of the pattern (scaling up, scaling down) and changing the layout of the pattern (moving, or rotating etc.). By selecting the various keys, the user can input commands to edit the selected pattern as desired.

For example, in a case where the user wishes to create a larger pattern by combining a plurality of the stored patterns, the user selects a plurality of the patterns while observing the editing screen, and inputs commands to change the size and the layout of the selected patterns. When the Enter key is selected after editing the patterns as appropriate, the CPU 11 confirms the editing content and corrects the selected pattern data read at step S1 in accordance with the editing content. More specifically, in accordance with the editing content, the CPU 11 changes coordinate values representing needle drop points included in the selected pattern data.

After editing the selected pattern data, the CPU 11 displays, on the display 24, a specification screen (not shown in the drawings) that is used to specify design features of the selected pattern (step S3). Design features of the selected pattern may include, for example, classification of the sewing object, whether or not a supplemental stitch is needed and so on. The classification of the sewing object is whether or not the sewing object is a specific material. The specific material is a material on which stitches of the pattern may easily shrink after sewing. The specific materials may include, for example, a soluble material (a water-soluble material or a heat-soluble material, for example), a material that has a comparatively high shrinkage factor (a knit, for example) and so on.

In a case where the user wishes to remove the sewing object after sewing the selected pattern on the sewing object to obtain an openwork pattern, a soluble material is used as the sewing object. In such a case, when the sewing object is melted or dissolved after the embroidery sewing of the pattern, a degree of shrinkage of the stitches of the pattern is greater than a case in which the sewing object remains. Thus, there is a higher possibility that the shape of the pattern will be distorted. Further, in a case of a material that has a comparatively high shrinkage factor, similarly, there is a possibility that, depending on a type of the pattern, the stitches of the pattern may shrink after sewing and the shape of the pattern may be distorted. The supplemental stitch is a stitch that is added in such cases in order to suppress shrinkage of the stitches and to maintain the shape of the pattern. The supplemental stitch will be explained in detail later.

Next, the CPU 11 determines whether or not the sewing object has been specified as the specific material on the specification screen (step S4). In a case where the sewing object is not the specific material (no at step S4), there is no particular need to add the supplemental stitch and thus the CPU 11 ends the main processing. In a case where the sewing object is the specific material (yes at step S4), the CPU 11 determines whether or not it has been specified that creation of the supplemental stitch is necessary (step S5). Even if the sewing object is the specific material, the user may specify that the creation of the supplemental stitch is not necessary, such as when the user knows from previous experience that the possibility of the shape of the selected pattern becoming distorted is low, etc. In a case where it is specified that the creation of the supplemental stitch is not necessary (no at step S5), the CPU 11 ends the main processing.

On the other hand, in a case where it is specified that the creation of the supplemental stitch is necessary (yes at step S5), if the selected pattern includes an area (at least one of a first area and a second area that will be explained later) that fulfills specific conditions, the CPU 11 performs processing to generate embroidery data to which the supplemental stitch is added (step S6 to step S23).

First, the CPU 11 identifies a total number N of the selected patterns (hereinafter referred to as a number of patterns N) selected at step S1 and for which the corresponding selected pattern data has been acquired and stored in the RAM 12, and stores the number N in the RAM 12 (step S6). The CPU 11 sets a counter value n that is stored in the RAM 12 to an initial value of 1 (step S7). n is a variable that is used to sequentially process the N selected patterns. From the selected pattern data of the N selected patterns acquired and stored in the RAM 12, the CPU 11 selects the embroidery data of an n-th pattern (hereinafter referred to as a pattern n) as a processing target(step S8). Based on the embroidery data of the pattern n, the CPU 11 determines whether or not the first area is included in the pattern n (step S9).

The first area is an area that includes at least one long stitch. A long stitch of the present embodiment is a single stitch that joins two needle drop points and that is longer than a predetermined length L0 (approximately 10 mm, for example). The long stitch is a stitch that may easily shrink when the sewing object dissolves or shrinks severely. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the long stitch is set as a target to which the supplemental stitch is added.

For example, from the coordinate values of the needle drop points of the embroidery data, the CPU 11 calculates a distance between two successive needle drop points. By determining whether or not the calculated distance is greater than the predetermined length L0, the CPU 11 may determine whether or not the corresponding stitch is the long stitch. In the present embodiment, in a case where another long stitch that is longer than the predetermined length L0 is arranged within a predetermined distance D (equal to or less than 5 mm, for example) from a given long stitch, the CPU 11 regards these long stitches as one group, and identifies the first area. Thus, the first area is identified as an area that includes at least one long stitch.

Of a pattern 60 shown in FIG. 4, for example, in a section that is enclosed by a dashed line 61, a distance between needle drop points P1 and P2, a distance between needle drop points P3 and P4, a distance between needle drop points P5 and P6 and a distance between needle drop points P7 and P8 are each longer than the predetermined length L0, as shown in FIG. 5. In this case, the stitches that are formed on the line segments P1P2, P3P4, P5P6 and P7P8 each correspond to the long stitch. Further, the line segments P1P2, P3P4, P5P6 and P7P8 are aligned within the predetermined distance D. Thus, the CPU 11 identifies a first area R1 including one group of the four long stitches.

With respect to the pattern 60 shown in FIG. 4, sections enclosed by a dashed line 62 and a dashed line 63 are identified as first areas R2 and R3, respectively, in a similar manner. In other words, the CPU 11 determines that three first areas are included in the pattern 60 (yes at step 89). In this type of case, the CPU 11 performs first area processing (step S10, FIG. 6). The first area processing is processing to generate supplemental data representing at least one supplemental stitch each of which intersects with the at least one long stitch in the first area.

As shown in FIG. 6, in the first area processing, the CPU 11 first identifies a total number M of first areas (hereinafter referred to as a number of first areas M) included in the pattern n identified at step S9 in the main processing (refer to FIG. 3) (step S101). In the example of the pattern 60 shown in FIG. 4, the CPU 11 identifies the number of first areas M as being 3. The CPU 11 sets a counter value m stored in the RAM 12 to an initial value of 1 (step S102). m is a variable that is used to sequentially process the M first areas. The CPU 11 identifies a length of a long stitch that is included in an m-th first area (hereinafter referred to as an area m) (step S103). In accordance with the identified length, the CPU 11 sets a number of the at least one supplemental stitch to be added (step S104), and sets a position in which each of the at least one supplemental stitch will be arranged (step S105).

For example, the CPU 11 may set the number of the at least one supplemental stitch by referring to a table (not shown in the drawings) that is stored in advance in the setting storage area 152 of the HDD 15. In the table, the number of supplemental stitches may be defined for each of ranges of lengths of the long stitch. For example, it may be defined that the number of supplemental stitches is one in a case where the length of the long stitch is equal to or longer than 10 mm and less than 15 mm, and the number of supplemental stitches is two in a case where the length is equal to or longer than 15 mm and less than 20 mm. However, these numerical values are illustrative examples, and the range and the number of supplemental stitches can be changed as appropriate. It should be noted that in a case where a plurality of the long stitches having different lengths are included in the first area, the above-described number of the at least one supplemental stitch may be set while taking the longest long stitch as a reference.

Further, the CPU 11 may set a position of the supplemental stitch in the following manner, for example. In a case where the number of the supplemental stitches is one, the CPU 11 may arrange supplemental stitches 611, 621 and 631 that intersect with long stitches of the first areas R1 to R3 in center positions of the long stitches, respectively, as shown in FIG. 7. In a case where the number of supplemental stitches is two, the CPU 11 may arrange supplemental stitches 612, 613, 622, 623, 632 and 633 that intersect with the long stitches in the first areas R1 to R3 in positions equally dividing the long stitches into three, respectively, as shown in FIG. 8. Note that in a case where a plurality of long stitches are included in the first area, the above-described position may be set, using the longest long stitch as a reference.

It is preferable that an angle of the supplemental stitch with respect to the long stitch be an angle other than 90 degrees (approximately 60 degrees, for example), as almost no effect of suppressing the shrinkage of the long stitch is obtained with an angle of 90 degrees. Further, a length (5 mm to 10 mm, for example) that is set in advance and stored in the setting storage area 152 of the HDD 15 may be used as a length of the supplemental stitch. Alternatively, a length specified by the user may be used. Note that it is preferable that the length of the supplemental stitch be such that the supplemental stitch intersects with all of the at least one long stitch within the first area.

After the CPU 11 sets the number and the position of the at least one supplemental stitch in this manner, the CPU 11 generates the supplemental data by calculating the coordinate values of the needle drop points to form the at least one supplemental stitch and stores the supplemental data in the RAM 12 (step S106). Note that the supplemental data of the at least one supplemental stitch that is generated in the first area processing is data representing at least one stitch, and includes the coordinate values of at least two needle drop points. For example, the supplemental stitch 611 shown in FIG. 7 may be a single stitch that connects the needle drop points P11 and P12, at least.

When the CPU 11 ends the generation of the supplemental data for the area m, the CPU 11 adds 1 to the counter value m stored in the RAM 12 (step S107) and determines whether or not the counter value m has exceeded the number of first areas M (step S108). For as long as the counter value m does not exceed the number of first areas M (no at step S108), an unprocessed first area remains. Thus, the CPU 11 returns the processing to step S103 and repeats the processing to arrange the supplemental stitch with respect to the long stitch within the next area m, and generate the supplemental data (step S103 to step 5108). In the example of the pattern 60 shown in FIG. 4, when the counter value m becomes 4 at step 5107 in the processing of the third first area R3, the counter value m exceeds the number of first areas M (=3) (yes at step S108). In such a case, there are no more unprocessed first areas, and the CPU 11 ends the first area processing shown in FIG. 6 and returns to the main processing shown in FIG. 3.

As shown in FIG. 3, in a case where the CPU 11 determines that the pattern n does not include the first area (no at step S9), or after the first area processing (step S10), the CPU 11 determines whether or not the pattern n includes the second area (step S11). The second area is a closed area that is enclosed by a stitch line formed of a plurality of stitches in a line and whose degree of roundness is lower than a threshold value. When a surface area of the closed area is S and a peripheral length of the closed area is L, a degree of roundness C of the closed area enclosed by the stitch line can be calculated using the following formula. The degree of roundness C approaches I the closer the closed area is to a perfect circle.

C=(4π×S)/L ²

The closer the embroidery pattern is to a circular shape, namely, the closer the degree of roundness is to 1, the less there is distortion of the shape, when shrinkage occurs. In contrast, the further the embroidery pattern differs from a circular shape, namely, the smaller the degree of roundness becomes than 1, the larger the distortion when shrinkage occurs. Thus, the stitch line that encloses the area having a comparatively low degree of roundness is formed of stitches that may easily shrink when the sewing object is dissolved or shrinks severely. Therefore, in the present embodiment, such a stitch line is set as a target to which the supplemental stitch is added.

Note that in the present embodiment, the stitch line is not just a stitch line that is formed of a plurality of stitches arranged in a single line, such as running stitches, but also includes cases in which zigzag stitches, or decorative type stitches are arranged in a line shape along a single line. For example, in a pattern 70 shown in FIG. 9, a decorative stitch 78 that is shown in FIG. 10 is arranged in a plurality in a line shape along a contour line of a closed area that has an arch shape and is enclosed by a curved line 71, a straight line 72, a curved line 73 and a straight line 74, thus forming a stitch line 75 that encloses a second area R5.

In a case where there is a closed area having a lower degree of roundness than the threshold value (0.5, for example) in the pattern n, it is determined at step S11 that the second area is included in the pattern n (yes at step S11). The threshold value may be set in advance and stored in the HDD 15, for example, or may be a value that is specified by the user. It should be noted that, as in the pattern 70 shown in FIG. 9, in a case where the shape of the pattern n itself is a closed area whose degree of roundness is lower than the threshold value, this also corresponds to the case in which the second area is included in the pattern n. In this case, the CPU 11 performs the second area processing (step S20, FIG. 11). The second area processing is processing to generate supplemental data in which the supplemental stitch is at least one stitch that connects two points on the stitch line enclosing the second area.

As shown in FIG. 11, in the second area processing, the CPU 11 first identifies a total number B of second areas (hereinafter referred to as a number of second areas B) included in the pattern n identified at step S11 of the main processing (refer to FIG. 3) (step S201). In the example of the pattern 70 shown in FIG. 9, the CPU 11 identifies the number of second areas B as being 1. The CPU 11 sets a counter value b that is stored in the RAM 12 to an initial value of 1 (step S202). b is a variable that is used to sequentially process the B second areas. The CPU 11 identifies a type of the stitches that form a stitch line of a b-th second area (hereinafter referred to as an area b) (step S203). In the example of the pattern 70 shown in FIG. 9, the CPU 11 identifies the stitch 78 shown in FIG. 10 as the type of the stitches forming the stitch line 75 enclosing the second area R5.

The CPU 11 sets a minimum rectangle S0 that contains the area b (step S204) and identifies a longitudinal direction of the minimum rectangle S0 as a longitudinal direction of the area b (step S205). In the example of the pattern 70 shown in FIG. 9, the minimum rectangle S0 shown in FIG. 12 is identified, and a direction of an arrow A is identified as the longitudinal direction of the pattern 70. The CPU 11 sets a counter value k to 2 (step S206). k is a variable that is used to count a number of partitions in order to divide up the area b into a number k of divided areas. The CPU 11 divides up the area b into the number of k divided areas (step S207). In other words, in the first round of the processing, the area b is divided into two divided areas.

The CPU 11 performs division of the area b using the following method, for example. The CPU 11 first equally divides up the minimum rectangle S0 into the k divided areas in the longitudinal direction. Specifically, the CPU 11 divides up the area b into the k divided areas, using a division line of the minimum rectangle S0, namely, a boundary line between two adjacent areas among the k divided areas as a division line of the area b. In the example of the pattern 70 shown in FIG. 9, in the first round of the processing (k=2), the CPU 11 divides the pattern 70 into two areas, that is, an area 81 and an area 82, using a division line K0 that divides the minimum rectangle S0 in half in the direction of the arrow A, as shown in FIG. 12.

The CPU 11 calculates a degree of roundness of each of the k divided areas, and determines whether or not the degrees of roundness of all the divided areas are equal to or more than the above-described threshold value (step S208). In a case where the degrees of roundness of all of the divided areas are not equal to or more than the threshold value (no at step S208), the CPU 11 adds 1 to the counter value k (step S209). The CPU 11 then divides the area b into a number of divided areas that is increased by one compared to the number of divided areas in the previous round (step S207). The CPU 11 repeats the processing until the degrees of roundness of all the divided areas are equal to or more than the threshold value (step S207 to step S209). In a case where the degrees of roundness of all the divided areas are equal to or more than the threshold value (yes at step S208), the CPU 11 arranges a supplemental stitch on each division line of the area b (S211). Specifically, the CPU 11 arranges the supplemental stitch on each boundary line between two adjacent areas among the k divided areas, the supplemental stitch connecting to the stitch line of the area b at two points at both ends of the boundary line.

The CPU 11 generates the supplemental data by calculating coordinate values of needle drop points to form the supplemental stitch, and stores the supplemental data in the RAM 12 (step S212). Note that, in the second area processing of the present embodiment, the CPU 11 generates supplemental data of the supplemental stitch that is the same type as the type of the stitches forming the stitch line of the area b and identified at step S203. Thus, it is possible to form the supplemental stitch that does not appear incongruous with respect to the original pattern corresponding to the area b. After the generation of the supplemental data for the area b, the CPU 11 adds 1 to the counter value b stored in the RAM 12 (step S213). The CPU 11 determines whether or not the counter value b exceeds the number of second areas B identified at step S201 (step S214). In a case where the counter value b does not exceed the number of second areas B (no at step S214), an unprocessed second area remains. Therefore, the CPU 11 returns the processing to step S203 and repeats the processing to divide the next area b, arrange the supplemental stitch and generate the supplemental data (step S203 to step S214).

When the second area R5 corresponding to the pattern 70 shown in FIG. 9 is divided into three areas 83, 84 and 85 by division lines K1 and K2 that divide the minimum rectangle S0 into three parts (processing round where k=3), as shown in FIG. 13, the degrees of roundness of all the areas 83, 84 and 85 are equal to or more than the threshold value. In this case, the CPU 11 arranges supplemental stitches 88 on a boundary line between the area 83 and the area 84, such that the supplemental stitches 88 connect to the stitch line 75 at two points at both ends of the boundary line. Additionally, the CPU 11 arranges supplemental stitches 89 on a boundary line between the area 84 and the area 85, such that the supplemental stitches 89 connect to the stitch line 75 at two points at both ends of the boundary line. Both the supplemental stitches 88 and 89 are formed of the same type of the stitch 78 of the stitch line 75 (refer to FIG. 10). Thus, even when the supplemental stitches 88 and 89 are added to the stitch line 75, it is possible to form the pattern that does not appear incongruous as a whole. In this example, when the counter value b becomes 2, the counter value b exceeds the number of second areas B (=1) (yes at step S214). In such a case, there are no more unprocessed second areas and thus the CPU 11 ends the second area processing shown in FIG. 11 and returns to the main processing shown in FIG. 3.

As shown in FIG. 3, when the CPU 11 determines that the pattern n does not include the second area (no at step S11), or after the second area processing (step S20), the CPU 11 determines (step S21) whether or not the supplemental data has been generated in the first area processing (step S10) or in the second area processing (step S20). In a ease where the supplemental data is stored in the RAM 12, the CPU 11 determines that the supplemental data has been generated (yes at step S21). In this case, from the embroidery data of the pattern n selected at step S8 and the supplemental data, the CPU 11 generates final embroidery data in order to sew the pattern n in a state in which the supplemental stitches are added.

More specifically, the CPU 11 sets a sewing order of the needle drop points included in the embroidery data and the supplemental data of the pattern n, such that, in the sewing order, a first needle drop point among the needle drop points of the supplemental stitches continues subsequently to a last needle drop point among the needle drop points of the pattern n. The CPU 11 thus unifies the embroidery data of the pattern n and the supplemental data as one set of embroidery data. When the sewing is performed in accordance with the resulting embroidery data, the supplemental stitches are sewn after the pattern n. However, the sewing order of the supplemental stitches is not limited to this example, and the supplemental stitches may be sewn before the pattern n. When the CPU 11 finishes generating the embroidery data, the CPU 11 advances the processing to step S23. In a case where the supplemental data is not generated (no at step S21), the CPU 11 advances the processing to step S23.

At step S23, the CPU 11 adds 1 to the counter value n that identifies the selected pattern as the processing target, and sets the next selected pattern in the order as the processing target. The CPU 11 determines whether or not the counter value n exceeds the number of patterns N (step S24). In a case where the counter value n does not exceed the number of patterns N (no at step S24), an unprocessed selected pattern remains. Thus, the CPU 11 returns the processing to step S8 and performs processing to generate the supplemental data as necessary with respect to the next pattern n, as described above (step S8 to step S24). In a case where the counter value n exceeds the total number of patterns N (yes at step S24), the CPU 11 ends the main processing shown in FIG. 3.

As described above, according to the embroidery data generating apparatus 1 of the present embodiment, in a case where the pattern that is to be sewn on a sewing object formed of a specific material includes at least one of the first area, which includes at least one long stitch, and the second area, which has a degree of roundness lower than the threshold value, embroidery data to which supplemental data is added is generated. The supplemental data is the data of at least one supplemental stitch that connects at least some of a plurality of stitches formed in the first area or the second area (namely, the long stitch or a stitch line enclosing the second area). Thus, even if the sewing object is dissolved or shrinks severely after the pattern has been formed, due to the supplemental stitch, it is possible to inhibit the long stitch or the stitch line enclosing the second area from shrinking and the shape of the pattern from being distorted.

More specifically, in the case of the first area, the number and position of the at least one supplemental stitch that intersects with the long stitch can be appropriately set in accordance with the length of the long stitch. As a result, it is possible to reliably inhibit the shape of the long stitch from being distorted. Further, in the case of the second area, the second area is divided into a plurality of divided areas each having the degree of roundness that is equal to or more than the threshold value, and the supplemental stitch that connects to the stitch line enclosing the second area is formed on the boundary line. Thus, it is possible to efficiently arrange the supplemental stitch that inhibits the shape of the stitch line from being distorted.

Various modifications can be made to the above-described embodiment. For example, in the above-described embodiment, the soluble material is exemplified by the water-soluble material and the heat-soluble material. However, the soluble material may be another material that is soluble in a type of liquid. In such a case, it is necessary for the liquid to be a type in which an embroidery thread does not dissolve.

The main processing of the above-described embodiment is an example in which the supplemental data of the supplemental stitch is generated in a case where the pattern n includes at least one of the first area and the second area. However, in the main processing, the CPU 11 may, for example, generate the supplemental data for the supplemental stitch that intersects with the long stitch when the pattern includes the first area only. Specifically, the CPU 11 need not perform the processing from step S11 to step S20 relating to the second area. The number and arrangement position of the at least one supplemental stitch that intersects with the long stitch may be set by a method that is different form the method of the above embodiment. For example, the number and position specified by the user may be used. Alternatively, the number and position of the supplemental stitch may be set uniformly, irrespective of the length of the long stitch.

Further, in the main processing, the CPU 11 may generate the supplemental data of the supplemental stitch that connects the two points on the stitch line enclosing the second area in a case where the pattern includes the second area only. Specifically, the CPU 11 need not perform the processing from step S9 to step S10 relating to the first area. The number and the arrangement position of the at least one supplemental stitch need not be set by using the minimum rectangle and dividing the pattern into the plurality of divided areas. For example, the CPU 11 may divide up the pattern using division lines specified by the user. In such a case, the CPU 11 may arrange the supplemental stitch on the boundary line between the divided areas at a point in time at which the degree of roundness of each of the divided areas becomes equal to or more than the threshold value. The CPU 11 may take, as the position of the supplemental stitch, a position that is specified by the user while using the boundary line as a reference. Furthermore, the type of the supplemental stitch in the second area processing need not be the same type of stitch as the type of the stitch line enclosing the second area.

In the above-described embodiment, in a case where the sewing object is the specific material and the pattern includes at least one of the first area and the second area, the CPU 11 generates the supplemental data in the first area processing and the second area processing only if the user specifies that it is necessary to generate the supplemental stitch. In such a case, the CPU 11 can perform the processing efficiently in accordance with the wishes of the user. However, the CPU 11 may always generate the supplemental data in a case where the sewing object is the specific material and the pattern includes at least one of the first area and the second area. Specifically, the determination processing at step S5 of the main processing, which is performed in accordance with the user specification, may be omitted.

The apparatus and methods described above with reference to the various embodiments are merely examples. It goes without saying that they are not confined to the depicted embodiments. While various features have been described in conjunction with the examples outlined above, various alternatives, modifications, variations, and/or improvements of those features and/or examples may be possible. Accordingly, the examples, as set forth above, are intended to be illustrative. Various changes may be made without departing from the broad spirit and scope of the underlying principles. 

What is claimed is:
 1. An apparatus comprising: a processor; and a memory configured to store computer-readable instructions that, when executed, instruct the apparatus to perform the steps of acquiring pattern data, the pattern data being data representing a plurality of stitches that form an embroidery pattern; determining, in a case where the embroidery pattern is to be sewn on a sewing object that is formed of a specific material, whether the embroidery pattern includes at least one of a first area and a second area, based on the acquired pattern data, the first area being an area that includes at least one long stitch each of which is a stitch that is longer than a predetermined length, and the second area being a closed area that is enclosed by a stitch line formed in a line shape by a plurality of stitches and that has a degree of roundness that is lower than a threshold value; generating, in a case where it is determined that the embroidery pattern includes at least one of the first area and the second area, supplemental data that is data representing at least one supplemental stitch each of which is a stitch that connects at least some of a plurality of stitches formed in one of the first area and the second area; and generating, from the pattern data and the generated supplemental data, embroidery data to sew the embroidery pattern and the at least one supplemental stitch,
 2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein in a case where it is determined that the embroidery pattern includes the first area, the generating the supplemental data includes generating the supplemental data that represents, as the at least one supplemental stitch, at least one stitch that intersects with the at least one long stitch.
 3. The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the generating the supplemental data includes: setting a number of the at least one supplemental stitch depending on a length of the at least one long stitch; setting a position of each of the at least one supplemental stitch depending on the length of the at least one long stitch; and arranging each of the at least one supplemental stitch in the set position and generating the supplemental data.
 4. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein in a case where it is determined that the embroidery pattern includes the second area, the generating the supplemental data includes generating the supplemental data that represents, as the at least one supplemental stitch, at least one stitch each connecting two points on the stitch line enclosing the second area.
 5. The apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the generating the supplemental data includes: dividing the second area into a plurality of divided areas each having a degree of roundness that is equal to or more than the threshold value; and generating the supplemental data that represents, as the at least one supplemental stitch, the at least one stitch each connecting the two points at both ends of a boundary line between two adjacent areas of the plurality of divided areas.
 6. The apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the generating the supplemental data includes generating the supplemental data of the at least one supplemental stitch that is a same type of stitch as the plurality of stitches that form the stitch line enclosing the second area.
 7. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the specific material is one of a water-soluble material and a heat-soluble material.
 8. A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing computer-readable instructions that, when executed, instruct an apparatus to execute steps comprising: acquiring pattern data, the pattern data being data representing a plurality of stitches that form an embroidery pattern; determining, in a case where the embroidery pattern is to be sewn on a sewing object that is formed of a specific material, whether the embroidery pattern includes at least one of a first area and a second area, based on the acquired pattern data, the first area being an area that includes at least one long stitch each of which is a stitch that is longer than a predetermined length, and the second area being a closed area that is enclosed by a stitch line formed in a line shape by a plurality of stitches and that has a degree of roundness that is lower than a threshold value; generating, in a case where it is determined that the embroidery pattern includes at least one of the first area and the second area, supplemental data that is data representing at least one supplemental stitch each of which is a stitch that connects at least some of a plurality of stitches formed in one of the first area and the second area; and generating, from the pattern data and the generated supplemental data, embroidery data to sew the embroidery pattern and the at least one supplemental stitch.
 9. The non-transitory computer-readable medium according to claim 8, wherein in a case where it is determined that the embroidery pattern includes the first area, the generating the supplemental data includes generating the supplemental data that represents, as the at least one supplemental stitch, at least one stitch that intersects with the at least one long stitch.
 10. The non-transitory computer-readable medium according to claim 9, wherein the generating the supplemental data includes: setting a number of the at least one supplemental stitch depending on a length of the at least one long stitch; setting a position of each of the at least one supplemental stitch depending on the length of the at least one long stitch; and arranging each of the at least one supplemental stitch in the set position and generating the supplemental data.
 11. The non-transitory computer-readable medium according to claim 8, wherein in a case where it is determined that the embroidery pattern includes the second area, the generating the supplemental data includes generating the supplemental data that represents, as the at least one supplemental stitch, at least one stitch each connecting two points on the stitch line enclosing the second area.
 12. The non-transitory computer-readable medium according to claim 11, wherein the generating the supplemental data includes: dividing the second area into a plurality of divided areas each having a degree of roundness that is equal to or more than the threshold value; and generating the supplemental data that represents, as the at least one supplemental stitch, the at least one stitch each connecting the two points at both ends of a boundary line between two adjacent areas of the plurality of divided areas.
 13. The non-transitory computer-readable medium according to claim 11, wherein the generating the supplemental data includes generating the supplemental data of the at least one supplemental stitch that is a same type of stitch as the plurality of stitches that form the stitch line enclosing the second area.
 14. The non-transitory computer-readable medium according to claim 8, wherein the specific material is one of a water-soluble material and a heat-soluble material. 